Beating Social Isolation
Lloyd is 85 years old and lives by himself. He recently became a widow after his spouse passed away, so in order to cope, he joined a neighborhood walking club. Eventually, arthritis in his knees made regular walking too difficult and he stopped participating. His children and grandchildren live in another province and don’t visit often due to busy work schedules. He doesn’t feel confident using a computer, making it more difficult for him to research community resources. His social life consists of doctor’s visits, and he feels lonely and anxious most days.
Lloyd doesn’t exist, but his story is real, and could be happening to you. He’s experiencing social isolation, and it’s one of the biggest health risks faced by older adults.
Have you ever struggled to connect with others, or felt lonely? Occasionally, we all feel alone, but over long periods of time, it can have a serious impact on our well-being. Isolation comes with an increased risk of physical and mental health complications, or even external harms like abuse. While researchers in Canada and worldwide are still studying the impacts of loneliness and isolation, it is increasingly being considered a public health crisis. Among older adults, up to 1 in 3 people report feeling lonely.
However, by taking a few simple steps, you can avoid isolation and its associated risks.
What is Social Isolation?
Social Isolation is defined as the absence of connection between a person and the community they live in. It’s common to feel lonely when isolated, although these feelings can vary from person to person. It’s possible to feel lonely even if you have access to social support. Isolation is considered an objective state, stemming from a lack of interaction and quality time with friends, family, or other social contacts. If you don’t have access to emotional support from others or the ability to participate in leisure activities, you might be isolated.
What are the Health Risks?
Your health plays a role when it comes to isolation and loneliness. Long-term illnesses, mobility issues, mental health disorders, and societal barriers are all factors that can cause or increase the odds of isolation. In turn, isolation has been linked with a higher chance of developing more health conditions, some even fatal. The toll isolation takes on your health can create a difficult cycle to break, but it is possible to reduce the potential harm and stay connected.
What Can I Do to Prevent Isolation?
Keep mobile and moving. Physical activity, especially with a group, can keep you connected and reduce the impact of health complications as you age. Try gentler or modified exercises if you live with limited mobility or pain.
Stay socially active, too! Human beings are social animals and we all benefit from belonging to a community. Look for social groups or activity Centres, like the AACM, in your community.
Consider transportation options. If you’re unable to drive, consider other ways of getting out like carpooling, budgeting for taxis, or using public transit. (Remember, seniors can ride MiWay for $1 this year!)
Take a look at our Centre’s current programming to get active and overcome isolation.